Magic Millions joins with TAB as new naming rights partner
The nation’s summer racing carnival has landed a major new sponsor, with TAB’s backing set to transform the Gold Coast's two-week spectacle of horses and high fashion.
One of the nation’s most anticipated racing events, the Gold Coast Magic Millions carnival, is kicking off its 40th year with the announcement of betting giant TAB as its new naming rights partner.
The two-week carnival will attract some of the world’s richest owners and trainers. They will spend tens of millions of dollars at the annual yearlings sale, hoping to find the next Winx. The carnival culminates in the Magic Millions Raceday on January 17.
The new deal extends the partnership between the leading racehorse and wagering brands. TAB first signed on as the official wagering partner of Magic Millions Sales in 2020, which led to the betting business backing the inaugural Magic Millions Racing Women Awards in 2024.
Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page said the deal would boost the summer event, which has become a drawcard for the racing industry and racegoers.
“It’s horses, it’s the beach, it’s the pubs, it’s just that great January holiday feel,” Ms Page-Harvey said. “When we think about ideas that we can bring to the Gold Coast to elevate these great brands of Magic Millions and TAB, I mean, it’s going to be extraordinary.”
The Sunlight Barrier Draw on Tuesday, January 6, will mark the start of the carnival ahead of the first weekend of races, beginning with the $7.3m Magic Millions Gold Raceday on the Saturday.
The 10-race event will be topped by the $3m TAB Magic Millions Sunlight (three-year-old) slot race, and followed on the Sunday with the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping.
Racehorses will hit the Gold Coast’s prized sands of Broadbeach for the TAB Magic Millions Barrier Draw on January 13, relocating this year from Surfers Paradise. Owners will have their sights on the $13.25m TAB Magic Millions Raceday on Saturday, which features the carnival’s renowned $3m two-year-old Classic and $3m three-year-old Guineas feature races. The second week will feature the yearling sales across four days.
Tabcorp chief executive Gillon McLachlan said it was his goal to align the betting giant with the Magic Millions.
“The Magic Millions is something that most Australians know, it has its own place in January, and it’s been created by the force of will of Katie and Gerry (Harvey),” he said. “We think we’re the biggest supporters of Australian racing, full stop. For us to have the time through the events and sales to be with owners, trainers and industry body figures, we feel we’re a big part of the industry. We’re thrilled to be increasing our role in that.”
The star-studded cast of Magic Millions ambassadors will also be returning to the Gold Coast, including Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall Sporting great Billy Slater and his thoroughbred breeder wife, Nicole Slater and Seven News racing host Hamish McLachlan will also be in attendance, alongside Argentine polo player Nacho Figueras and his wife Delfina Blaquier.
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